The left-winger market…

[IrishMcD]

If they sent scouts to watch Rafael Leao at the weekend, it would've put them off signing any winger. His performance was really poor and he was lucky not to be subbed at half time which was pointed out by people on comms too.

Anyone who’s watched him over the past few years would know he’s massively overrated. Very similar to Rashford in terms of when he performs well, he’s good but majority of the time he’s crap

 

[davidmichael]

Does this mean we have dropped the idea of bringing in a left winger this summer?

Luckhurst said the other day that the plan is to bring in 3 midfielders, a left back, an experienced striker and a back up keeper which would suggest Dorgu being used as a left winger was the likely scenario.

If we were to sign someone like Nick Pope and Raul Jimenez on free transfers who are both PL proven, very experienced and would most likely accept squad roles that would allow us to use the budget on fixing the midfield and a top left back.

 

[cj_sparky]

Anyone who’s watched him over the past few years would know he’s massively overrated. Very similar to Rashford in terms of when he performs well, he’s good but majority of the time he’s crap

I agree he is massively overrated, I found the initial links to him mental as he is often one of the laziest players on the pitch whenever I've watched him and is exactly what we have looked to move on or still looking to move on.

Comparing to say if Cunha isn't in the best form in an attacking sense at least you get defensive work rate from him, whereas if Leao is off it you'll get nothing.

 

[Escobar]

Wilcox supposed to have had discussions with Leicester about Monga, so maybe a youngster to develop into the position? Does seem an exceptional prospect.

Thats the kind of deal we should do more. Get the best youngsters in, develop them and have an exciting player sooner than later

 

[Cathy Ferguson]

Thats the kind of deal we should do more. Get the best youngsters in, develop them and have an exciting player sooner than later

I am not against Monga, great talent. But let’s not forget how much we paid for Yoro, Zirkzee and Ugarte in the hope of developing them. Scouting will always be the key.

 

[Dominos]

Does this mean we have dropped the idea of bringing in a left winger this summer?

I don't think we can really afford one.

Exactly, we have a lot of holes to fill and finite amount of money.

3 midfielders and a left back is already a lot. Then add in Zirkzee's replacement and Bayindir's replacement.

Furthermore, we already have 3 left sided players in Shaw, Dorgu and Cunha, and with a new left back signed, that's 4 players for the two positions and that's standard in terms of depth. Any more than 2 players per position then you're generally just wasting wages on a player who will never play.

I think we'll just have to make do with the attack we have for another season, with the exception of Zirkzee being replaced.

I'm sure the club would love to rebuild our centre back options too but I think that's doubtful due to the same reasons of limited funds.

 

[Escobar]

I am not against Monga, great talent. But let’s not forget how much we paid for Yoro, Zirkzee and Ugarte in the hope of developing them. Scouting will always be the key.

Zirkzee and Ugarte were not really youngsters. Yoro yes but as an exceptional talent that was on the international stage

 

[cj_sparky]

I am not against Monga, great talent. But let’s not forget how much we paid for Yoro, Zirkzee and Ugarte in the hope of developing them. Scouting will always be the key.

The fee could be as low as £6m and he is only 16. Leicester are in a financial mess, they've already sold/mortgaged their future parachute payments and future transfer installments by getting money early from the bank to pay for the now.

 

[ThanksBoss26]

Luckhurst said the other day that the plan is to bring in 3 midfielders, a left back, an experienced striker and a back up keeper which would suggest Dorgu being used as a left winger was the likely scenario.

If we were to sign someone like Nick Pope and Raul Jimenez on free transfers who are both PL proven, very experienced and would most likely accept squad roles that would allow us to use the budget on fixing the midfield and a top left back.

Would make sense to me.

 

[croadyman]

Never quite got the idea that you desperately needed a left winger. You have far more pressing matters, such as at least two midfielders, another goalkeeper (if Vitek is sold/goes out on loan) and possibly a high-level centre-back. Cunha and Dorgu should suffice for now?

I think it's the fact we didn't rival scousers for Diomande that has understandably annoyed people

 

[Yagami]

Does this mean we have dropped the idea of bringing in a left winger this summer?

It'd be a shame.

We cannot rely on these four to be a consistent threat, imo. I'm a big Amad fan but he's been rubbish under Carrick. Mbeumo can't dribble so when he's isolated out wide he offers nothing. Cunha and Dorgu aren't great out there either. I like both but I've not seen anything from either that makes me think they're ready to be starting Manchester United wingers. They're all good squad players.

I think we're underestimating the importance of having a winger who can constantly dribble their opposition, create chances, take the initiative instead of needing an overlapping FB or just giving it to Bruno.

People raved about the wingers in the Bayern-PSG tie but our great teams have always had wingers like this. Best, Kanchelskis, Giggs, Beckham, Ronaldo, Nani, Valencia, etc. I think getting a wide player of that quality is as vital as strengthening any other position. We need another way of opening teams up other than giving the ball to Bruno and hoping he picks out a great ball.

 

[croadyman]

It'd be a shame.

We cannot rely on these four to be a consistent threat, imo. I'm a big Amad fan but he's been rubbish under Carrick. Mbeumo can't dribble so when he's isolated out wide he offers nothing. Cunha and Dorgu aren't great out there either. I like both but I've not seen anything from either that makes me think they're ready to be starting Manchester United wingers. They're all good squad players.

I think we're underestimating the importance of having a winger who can constantly dribble their opposition, create chances, take the initiative instead of needing an overlapping FB or just giving it to Bruno.

People raved about the wingers in the Bayern-PSG tie but our great teams have always had wingers like this. Best, Kanchelskis, Giggs, Beckham, Ronaldo, Nani, Valencia, etc. I think getting a wide player of that quality is as vital as strengthening any other position. We need another way of opening teams up other than giving the ball to Bruno and hoping he picks out a great ball.

Unfortunately seems well down the priority list, so yet again we are relying on Bruno to produce things. Cunha has moments of magic, however we need someone with that ability to beat players out wide but INEOS can't see it.

 

[Yagami]

Unfortunately seems well down the priority list, so yet again we are relying on Bruno to produce things. Cunha has moments of magic, however we need someone with that ability to beat players out wide but INEOS can't see it.

Yeah, we're going to have to hope that pretty much everyone steps up next season because if we have a similar season where these four all go through long periods of poor form, it'll be trouble with the heavier schedule we'll have.

I know people are pinning hopes on Lacey, too. I've always said that I'm a fan of the type of player he is. He definitely has the talent to make it but my biggest concern is that he's not the quickest so I'm not that optimistic about him being a high level RW here. I'd love to be wrong, though!

 

[pascell]

Going to be a mistake not picking up a winger with electric pace.

Cunha has had a few injuries this season, Amad has been poor for a good 2-3 months and Mbeumo is gassed after playing a 40 game season, worrying signs.

This will come back to bite us

 

[Zumbi]

Going to be a mistake not picking up a winger with electric pace.

Cunha has had a few injuries this season, Amad has been poor for a good 2-3 months and Mbeumo is gassed after playing a 40 game season, worrying signs.

This will come back to bite us

Agreed. We’re light on attacking depth for a PL/CL/domestic cup campaign.

 

[Rainy nights in Stoke]

Going to be a mistake not picking up a winger with electric pace.

Cunha has had a few injuries this season, Amad has been poor for a good 2-3 months and Mbeumo is gassed after playing a 40 game season, worrying signs.

This will come back to bite us

Not quite sure what's going on with Mbeumo, he's looked well off it for a while now

 

[pascell]

Not quite sure what's going on with Mbeumo, he's looked well off it for a while now

Im hoping he's just carrying a knock. If not, I'm worried about his fitness levels, as you'd like to think we'd play a good 45-50 games minimum next season with cup runs.

 

[lex talionis]

Assuming we have a net 200m to spend this summer -- and we're all aware of the need for three midfielders and a left back, how much should we budget for a backup LW?

 

[croadyman]

Assuming we have a net 200m to spend this summer -- and we're all aware of the need for three midfielders and a left back, how much should we budget for a backup LW?

Nowt probably

 

[jesperjaap]

I am not against Monga, great talent. But let’s not forget how much we paid for Yoro, Zirkzee and Ugarte in the hope of developing them. Scouting will always be the key.

And Heaven, Dorgu, Lammens. They are going to be mixed success. I think Monga looks a real talent and although very young would be a great squad signing value wise. Really dont think we can go out and spend a big fee on a left winger and personally dont think we need too either

 

[Lash]

Assuming we have a net 200m to spend this summer -- and we're all aware of the need for three midfielders and a left back, how much should we budget for a backup LW?

We spent 200m net last season with no CL. I doubt we'll be 200m net this summer with the likes of Casemiro and Rashford moving on, should be more.

 

[Garethw]

I certainly don’t think he’s an elite player, but if Antony Gordon is available this summer then we should be in for him.

Runs down the left, cuts in, crosses and is a consistent problem for the defence to deal with. Could probably be used as a back up striker too.

 

[Rozay]

I certainly don’t think he’s an elite player, but if Antony Gordon is available this summer then we should be in for him.

Runs down the left, cuts in, crosses and is a consistent problem for the defence to deal with. Could probably be used as a back up striker too.

Don’t think he’s worth what they would ask.

 

[lex talionis]

We spent 200m net last season with no CL. I doubt we'll be 200m net this summer with the likes of Casemiro and Rashford moving on, should be more.

How much more...300m?

 

[Lash]

How much more...300m?

I'm not sure where the graphic is someone put in one of the threads, but if you look at our squad:

Spoiler: Graphic

I would say we are losing:

Casemiro
Zirzkzee
Ugarte
Bayandir

I would not be counting on these players to play the extra amount of games next season without injury:

Shaw
Mount
De Ligt
Martinez

So we at mininmum need to replace 4 players that are leaving and we'll only get money for 2 of them. Add to the fact we have two CBs, a LB and a midfielder/attacker that can't really be relied upon to stay fit, I do think the needs will require us to fork out that kind of money - unless we're shopping in the bargain bin. That's before you even think of upgrading the squad, ie having more options than this season.

 

[SilentWitness]

I certainly don’t think he’s an elite player, but if Antony Gordon is available this summer then we should be in for him.

Runs down the left, cuts in, crosses and is a consistent problem for the defence to deal with. Could probably be used as a back up striker too.

It sounds like a deal with Bayern is as good as done.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

While I’d love for us to have a proper quick flying winger again, I’m not sure how big a priority it should be. Midfield and the fullbacks should be the main priority. And Cunha actually looks a better football than anyone we have for RW so I’m not sure about attacking priorities.

 

[dinostar77]

I certainly don’t think he’s an elite player, but if Antony Gordon is available this summer then we should be in for him.

Runs down the left, cuts in, crosses and is a consistent problem for the defence to deal with. Could probably be used as a back up striker too.

Isn't he off to Bayern if they can agree a fee? Makes sense to have an alternative to Luis Diaz, who can operate in a similar way i.e. cutting in from the wing and ending up front when Kane drops deep to receive the ball.

Don't think he's a £75mil player that Newcastle seem to be asking for. Don't think Bayern will pay that.

 

[croadyman]

Don’t think he’s worth what they would ask.

Yeah me neither, now watch him rip it up at Bayern now I have just said that

 

[jesperjaap]

It'd be a shame.

We cannot rely on these four to be a consistent threat, imo. I'm a big Amad fan but he's been rubbish under Carrick. Mbeumo can't dribble so when he's isolated out wide he offers nothing. Cunha and Dorgu aren't great out there either. I like both but I've not seen anything from either that makes me think they're ready to be starting Manchester United wingers. They're all good squad players.

I think we're underestimating the importance of having a winger who can constantly dribble their opposition, create chances, take the initiative instead of needing an overlapping FB or just giving it to Bruno.

People raved about the wingers in the Bayern-PSG tie but our great teams have always had wingers like this. Best, Kanchelskis, Giggs, Beckham, Ronaldo, Nani, Valencia, etc. I think getting a wide player of that quality is as vital as strengthening any other position. We need another way of opening teams up other than giving the ball to Bruno and hoping he picks out a great ball.

Think one part of the problem though is the lack of support from full backs. Those players you mention were obviously great but they also had the likes of neville, evra, irwin, parker offering attacking support. Shaw no longers offers that and dalot for me never really has well either. Its compounded more with inverted wingers. I think two full backs like a hall, balde, wesley, brown would add so much to the wingers we already have as an attacking threat and defensively too. No way are we spending £80_100m on diomande for example....and personally a balde/browm and wesley lb/rb upgrades along with someone like mateus mane/jeremy monga is probably a similar total, more numbers and probably improves us more as a team...even though yes id love a proper exciting winger....but just look at psg bayern....davies, mendes, hakimi....theyve got top support there in bayerns case for a premiership attack really

 

[Rozay]

Yeah me neither, now watch him rip it up at Bayern now I have just said that

Even you could rip it up at Bayern.

 

[Yagami]

Think one part of the problem though is the lack of support from full backs. Those players you mention were obviously great but they also had the likes of neville, evra, irwin, parker offering attacking support. Shaw no longers offers that and dalot for me never really has well either. Its compounded more with inverted wingers. I think two full backs like a hall, balde, wesley, brown would add so much to the wingers we already have as an attacking threat and defensively too. No way are we spending £80_100m on diomande for example....and personally a balde/browm and wesley lb/rb upgrades along with someone like mateus mane/jeremy monga is probably a similar total, more numbers and probably improves us more as a team...even though yes id love a proper exciting winger....but just look at psg bayern....davies, mendes, hakimi....theyve got top support there in bayerns case for a premiership attack really

Those full backs offered support, sure, but our wingers of the past didn't need then to be a threat. They could be isolated and still create danger because of their dribbling and ability to pick out incredible passes/crosses.

When our current wide men are isolated, they just pass it back or give it to Bruno. They don't consistently take their full back on. Cunha and Amad can do it but, for whatever reason, they don't do it consistently, so I don't think we can rely on them (alongside Mbeumo and Dorgu) to produce a full season of consistently good performances out wide for us.

I still agree with you that we urgently need to upgrade our full backs, too, and that would definitely help to some extent, but if our wingers are that reliant on needing a good full back to put in good performances then we should take a look at them in isolation, too.

 

[bb8]

I don't think we can really afford one.

But why have we decided to make Dorgu focus on the wing? Yeah yeah I know "the Arsenal game", but does he really seem likely to be a top left winger? To me he seems more suited to defense long-term.

Why not skip signing a LB and go with Shaw/Dorgu, then go for a LW instead?

 

[Frank White]

But why have we decided to make Dorgu focus on the wing? Yeah yeah I know "the Arsenal game", but does he really seem likely to be a top left winger? To me he seems more suited to defense long-term.

Why not skip signing a LB and go with Shaw/Dorgu, then go for a LW instead?

Probably cheaper. Seems even the average Joe winger is going to run you 50m minimum. It's going to hurt us in the long run though, guess we'll have to hope Dorgu/Cunha have a good season.

 

[Big Ron’s Coat]

But why have we decided to make Dorgu focus on the wing? Yeah yeah I know "the Arsenal game", but does he really seem likely to be a top left winger? To me he seems more suited to defense long-term.

Why not skip signing a LB and go with Shaw/Dorgu, then go for a LW instead?

Should skip signing a LB and go for Kayode. With him and Dorgu at the fullback positions we might see our wing options improve next season just from having the proper support. Dalot and Shaw carry no threat whatsoever going forward.

 

[pcaming]

But why have we decided to make Dorgu focus on the wing? Yeah yeah I know "the Arsenal game", but does he really seem likely to be a top left winger? To me he seems more suited to defense long-term.

Why not skip signing a LB and go with Shaw/Dorgu, then go for a LW instead?

What choice do we have?

Left wingers are a premium or a punt. I’m not sure what the deal is with the new recruitment setup, but it is still being bypassed by management.

 

[croadyman]

Wish we had the budget to go big for Diomande or even someone like Barcola who rarely starts for PSG

 

[lex talionis]

I'm not sure where the graphic is someone put in one of the threads, but if you look at our squad:

Spoiler: Graphic

I would say we are losing:

Casemiro
Zirzkzee
Ugarte
Bayandir

I would not be counting on these players to play the extra amount of games next season without injury:

Shaw
Mount
De Ligt
Martinez

So we at mininmum need to replace 4 players that are leaving and we'll only get money for 2 of them. Add to the fact we have two CBs, a LB and a midfielder/attacker that can't really be relied upon to stay fit, I do think the needs will require us to fork out that kind of money - unless we're shopping in the bargain bin. That's before you even think of upgrading the squad, ie having more options than this season.

I agree with your analysis that the needs are great in number, but what I’m struggling with is the amount in the warchest. A year or two we talked about PSR every minute, but that talk has since vanished. Radcliffe is a multimillionaire so dropping 300-400m for Jim would be like dropping 3000-4000 (pounds or dollars) for us…a noticeable spend but doable.

If in fact Radcliffe and his team believe we’re on the cusp of great things and we’re not just year one into a three year rebuild, then I can easily see them dropping 300-400m and go for it all next season. And if so, then Diomande at 80m would be a fantastic addition to strengthen our front line.

 

[Lash]

I agree with your analysis that the needs are great in number, but what I’m struggling with is the amount in the warchest. A year or two we talked about PSR every minute, but that talk has since vanished. Radcliffe is a multimillionaire so dropping 300-400m for Jim would be like dropping 3000-4000 (pounds or dollars) for us…a noticeable spend but doable.

If in fact Radcliffe and his team believe we’re on the cusp of great things and we’re not just year one into a three year rebuild, then I can easily see them dropping 300-400m and go for it all next season. And if so, then Diomande at 80m would be a fantastic addition to strengthen our front line.

I think if we can get the big targets wrapped up quickly, like midfield and a LB, we can start to explore the market with a little less panic. I think if you look at who's challenging for the league, City and Arsenal, they have spend an inordinate amount of money to get where they are - we can't really believe we can do it on a budget. We just have to be targeting the right profiles and being decisive.

I think one of the biggest issues of the last few summers is we've brought in players, for key positions, too late in the window. Sesko, Lammens, Ugarte, Varane, Casemiro all were unable to start the season with us. That has to change.

 

[croadyman]

I think if we can get the big targets wrapped up quickly, like midfield and a LB, we can start to explore the market with a little less panic. I think if you look at who's challenging for the league, City and Arsenal, they have spend an inordinate amount of money to get where they are - we can't really believe we can do it on a budget. We just have to be targeting the right profiles and being decisive.

I think one of the biggest issues of the last few summers is we've brought in players, for key positions, too late in the window. Sesko, Lammens, Ugarte, Varane, Casemiro all were unable to start the season with us. That has to change.

Yeah you make a valid point about securing key players too late in window, however Anderson or Tchouameni are both going to be heavily involved in World Cup